Renal biopsy: in vitro and in vivo comparison of a new automatic biopsy device and conventional biopsy systems. Work in progress.

A nondisposable full-cut biopsy gun with a disposable needle (system 1, prototype of system 2) and a disposable gun-needle combination (system 2) were compared with conventional needles and Tru-Cut-type biopsy systems in renal parenchymal biopsy procedures. In cadaveric kidneys, more glomeruli were harvested with system 1 than with four other biopsy systems. In native kidneys, more glomeruli were harvested and core quality was better with system 2 than with a Tru-Cut-type biopsy gun.